Anna Deavere Smith, a professor at New York University and an award-winning playwright and actress, reflects on the evolution of theater in a short interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival. From supporting young, innovative talent to integrating new technologies, artists will have to "step up" if theater is to continue to reach audiences. But the big picture is promising, she explains, "I hope in 50 years theater goes back to its beginnings, and that it becomes something really vital ... there's already ... a wave that is coming, with just younger people who are really interested in storytelling." The Future of X, a new series on the Atlantic Video channel, looks at what's on the horizon for culture, technology, business, and politics.

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